Amsterdam vs Berlin — Cost of Living
Rent, overall costs and the equivalent salary you'd need to keep your lifestyle.
| Amsterdam | Berlin | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost index | 82 | 70 |
| Rent index | 84 | 62 |
| 1-bed city-centre rent | € 2.000 | 1.300 € |
A € 48.000 lifestyle in Amsterdam needs about
40.976 €
in Berlin (cost-of-living parity, before tax)
Amsterdam
High rents, but the 30% ruling can boost expat take-home substantially.
Berlin
Cheaper than Munich but rents have risen fast over the last decade.
Remember that cost of living is only half the story — tax differs too. Check take-home pay with the Netherlands calculator and Germany calculator, or use the interactive comparator.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Is Berlin cheaper than Amsterdam?
Berlin has an overall cost-of-living index of 70 versus Amsterdam's 82, so it is cheaper by roughly 15%, driven largely by rent.
+What salary do I need in Berlin to match Amsterdam?
To maintain a € 48.000 lifestyle from Amsterdam, you'd need roughly 40.976 € in Berlin, based on cost-of-living parity (before tax differences).
Estimate only — not tax advice. Figures are estimates based on publicly available tax rules and may not reflect your full circumstances. See our methodology & sources (last reviewed June 2026). Always confirm with an official tax authority or a licensed adviser before making decisions.